Community shows up for Valley-Wide Blood Drive

When it comes to terror attacks on American soil, we know they can and have happened close to home. It is not enough to react to these unimaginable acts, we must prepare for them.

On Wednesday, Gulf California Broadcast Company and CBS Local 2, KESQ News Channel 3 and KUNA Noticias 15 ask the community to come together to honor the victims of these attacks and the first responders who risk their own lives to prevent more casualties.

Roll up your sleeves and join us in the valley-wide community blood drive:

Lifestream Blood Bank – 10:30AM-7PM – 79-215 Corporate Center Drive, La Quinta
Desert Regional Medical Center, Stergios Building- 10AM-3PM,
1150 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs

Donors must be at least 15 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Teens 15 and 16 years old must have a signed parental consent form, which is available at the drive.

Your gift could make a lifesaving difference for a patient fighting cancer, awaiting surgery, or an accident or trauma victim.

For more information, go to lstream.org, email blooddonors@lstream.org or call (800) 879-4484.

When you give blood Wednesday, use #ValleywideBloodDrive on social media and we’ll share your pictures on the air and online.

Assemblymen Chad Mayes and Eduardo Garcia said their offices are in full support of the blood drive.

Mayes said, “During these difficult times we need to seek out opportunities to come together as a community – as one. That’s why I’m asking you to join our neighbors for the LifeStream blood drive. Giving blood saves lives and if we do it together it brings into focus the fact that we are all one community and we are strong when we stand together.”

Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia released the following statement:

“The Coachella Valley never ceases to astound with an abundance of generosity amidst times of need. Thank you to all who have committed to donate blood to support the first responders and victims of this horrible tragedy, said Garcia. “Unfortunately, a large segment of our Coachella Valley community cannot donate blood due to the archaic and discriminatory laws the FDA has in place when it comes to gay men donating blood.”

“Last year I authored AJR-16: Blood Bank Ban: This bill would call upon the President of the United States to encourage the Secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services to adopt policies to repeal the current and upcoming discriminatory donor suitability policies of the FDA regarding blood donation by men who have had sex with another man and, instead, direct the FDA to develop science-based policies such as criteria based on risky sexual behavior in lieu of sexual orientation,” Garcia concluded.

Supervisor John J. Benoit also added, “”I support this community blood drive, which provides hope through this difficult time and offers the satisfaction of knowing your donation can save someone’s life.”

Benoit himself is a former first responder. He retired from the California Highway Patrol after nearly three decades of service.

“I thank all those who donate today in honor of the Orlando victims and to help boost the local supply for emergency and everyday needs,” he said.